Ghana’s U17 female team, the Black Maidens, made history by winning the first-ever WAFU Zone B Girls Cup, edging out Nigeria 5-4 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 2-2 stalemate in regular time.
At the Ghanaian Centre of Excellence in Prampram, Nana Joe Adarkwa’s side took an early lead, following Gertrude Amoafo’s sublime finish in the 14th minute. The irrepressible Priscilla Mensah doubled the advantage five minutes later.
Nigeria’s Flamingos determination resulted in two crucial goals, levelling the score at 2-2 in Prampram.
Precious Oscar halved the deficit in the 34th minute, with a powerful volley right inside the Ghanaian vital area, and Harmony Chidi restored parity for Nigeria in the 78th minute with a long-range strike that flew above goalkeeper Aishatu Fatai, and therefore setting the stage for an intense penalty shootout.
The Black Maidens kept their cool under pressure, converting their penalties with precision to seal a 5-4 shootout victory, thereby ensuring Ghana’s “host and win” agenda.
Benin Republic took the bronze medals with another penalty shootout defeat of Cote d’Ivoire in the third-place match played earlier in the day.
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Story by Asack Pius|univers.ug.edu.gh
